R.I.P. James Cotton

James Cotton performing at Doheny Blues Festival in May 2014.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Terrible news! I am very sad to hear the world has lost legendary bluesman James Cotton. Read my review of his performance at a terrific blues music event staged in Costa Mesa in March 2013 here. More recently, I caught him on day two at the Doheny Blues Festival in 2014; you can read my review of that event here.

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton
in performance on  March 13, 2013.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

World-renowned blues harmonica master James Cotton, whom Rolling Stone called, “One of the greats of all time, burning with brilliant virtuosity,” died on March 16, 2017 of pneumonia at St. David's Medical Center in Austin, Texas. He was 81. His overwhelmingly powerful harmonica playing was one of the iconic sounds of the blues. He toured worldwide for over 60 years.

James Henry Cotton, known as “Mr. Superharp,” recorded nearly 30 solo albums, winning one Grammy Award, six Living Blues Awards and 10 Blues Music Awards. He was inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame in 2006. The New York Daily News called him, “The greatest blues harmonica player of all time.” NPR Weekend Edition said, “Conjure up a list of all-time great blues harmonica players, and high up on it you'll see the name James Cotton.”

Born on a cotton plantation in Tunica, Mississippi on July 1, 1935, Cotton was a working musician by age nine. He learned harmonica directly from Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), toured with Williamson and Howlin’ Wolf, and recorded for Sun Records in 1953 before spending 12 years touring and recording with Muddy Waters (starting at age 20). Cotton was featured on Muddy’s famous 1960 At Newport LP on Chess Records, including  the iconic version of Got My Mojo Working, one of the classic recordings of Chicago Blues.

Photo: Jason Marck

After his 1953 Sun sessions, Cotton didn’t record under his own name again until the mid-1960s, with tracks included in the groundbreaking Chicago/The Blues/Today! series of LPs on Vanguard. Along with Otis Spann, he cut The Blues Never Die! for Prestige.

In 1966 he formed The James Cotton Band, quickly earning a reputation as one of the most commanding and potent live blues performers in the world—a man who could literally suck the reeds out of his harmonica from the pure force of his playing. He made his initial solo albums, three for Verve and one for Vanguard, in the late 1960s. With bands featuring outstanding musicians including famed guitarists Luther Tucker, Matt “Guitar” Murphy and Hubert Sumlin, he quickly rose to the top of the blues and rock worlds. It wasn’t long before Cotton, with his gale-force sound and fearless boogie band, was adopted by the burgeoning hippie audience as one of their own. Cotton shared stages with Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Santana, Steve Miller, Freddie King and many others.

Cotton’s blistering talent and full-throttle energy kept him in demand at concert halls all over the country. He played the Fillmore East in New York, the Fillmore West in San Francisco and every major rock and blues venue in between. During the 1970s, he cut three albums for Buddah and one for Capitol. He rejoined his old boss Muddy Waters for a series of Muddy albums produced by Johnny Winter, starting with Hard Again in 1977. Cotton also guested on recordings by Koko Taylor, Steve Miller, Memphis Slim, Hubert Sumlin and many others. He was joined on his own albums by stars like Todd Rundgren, Steve Miller, Johnny Winter, Dr. John, David Sanborn, Charlie Haden, Michael Bloomfield and Cissy Houston.

James Cotton performing in Dana Point on May
18, 2014 at the Doheny Blues Festival.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Cotton signed with Alligator Records in 1984, releasing two solo albums and the famed Harp Attack! with Junior Wells, Carey Bell and Billy Branch. He won a Grammy Award in 1996 for his Verve album, Deep In The Blues and recorded four albums for Telarc Records before returning to Alligator in 2010. His most recent recording was 2013’s Grammy-nominated Cotton Mouth Man.

In June 2010, Cotton was honored by New York’s Lincoln Center, where his friends Hubert Sumlin, Pinetop Perkins, Taj Mahal, Shemekia Copeland and others paid tribute to him in an all-star concert. The Festival International de Jazz de Montréal honored Cotton with their 2015 B.B. King Award for his seven decades of contributions to the blues.

Throughout his entire career, Cotton’s blast-furnace harmonica sound and larger-than-life personality always remained a true force of nature, described by USA Today as “devastating and powerful…carrying the Chicago sound to the world.”

Cotton is survived by his wife Jacklyn Hairston Cotton, daughters Teresa Hampton of Seattle, Washington, and Marshall Ann Cotton of Peoria, Illinios and son James Patrick Cotton of Chicago, Illinois, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Album reviews: The Zombies, New Order, Charlie Musselwhite, George Strait

Classic rock icons The Zombies, synthpop-dance rock heroes New Order, blues harmonica master Charlie Musselwhite and country music giant George Strait have all released outstanding new albums.  

Artist: The Zombies
Title: Still Got That Hunger (The End Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Zombies, The Kinks
Tell me more: It makes perfect sense that a band named the Zombies would outlive and artistically thrive beyond every single one of its 1960s contemporaries. While fellow British bands the Who and Rolling Stones sometimes tour and occasionally record, it is truly the Zombies that impress with the same power the quintet displayed when they burst on the rock scene 50+ years ago. On the band's aptly-named forthcoming collection Still Got That Hunger (available Oct. 9 via The End Records), singer Colin Blunstone and keyboardist Rod Argent lead an ensemble that masterfully blends the jazz-tinged psychedelic rock they pioneered in the early '60s with blues and contemporary styles. Across "Still Got That Hunger," Blunstone sings with power, range and emotion; the full band (including the aforementioned Argent, drummer Steve Rodford, lead guitarist Tom Toomey and bassist Jim Rodford) play with nuanced emotion and authority. The top-flight musicianship and vocals wouldn't mean a thing without brilliant songwriting and that's where the Zombies reconnect with the spirit of their '60s beginnings. Just as the band's 1968 masterwork "Odessey & Oracle" blended a number of styles together in the creation of something greater, Still Got That Hunger allows the Zombies to magically conjure up that approach here. Baroque pop ("Chasing the Past," "Never Get Over You"), jazz-rock ("New York," "And We Were Young Again"), blues ("Edge of the Rainbow") and a dash of psychedelia throughout the 10-song album work wonders.  The Zombies are currently on tour in the U.S., and upcoming dates include New York City on Oct. 9, Denver, Colorado on Oct. 19 and in Beverly Hills, CA on Oct. 24. Information: thezombies.net.

Order "Still Got That Hunger" now



Artist: New Order
Title: Music Complete (Mute)
You might like if you enjoy: New Order, Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys
Tell me more: Not many synthpop and dance rock bands to emerge in the 1980s have soldiered on without their sound becoming dated. New Order has outdistanced the competition for sure and remained more than relevant; listening to the best tracks on the British outfit's 9th proper studio album (Music Complete) is to hear songs that would have lit up dance clubs 30 years ago and likely will today too. Coming a full decade after 2005's epic Waiting for the Sirens' Call, the ensuing span saw the departure of founding bassist Peter Hook (replaced by Bad Lieutenant's Tom Chapman) and return of original keyboardist Gillian Gilbert. Whatever the dynamics, singer Bernard Sumner and company deliver propulsive and driving dance rock throughout, layering the infectious beats with compelling melodies and textures. Highlights include the longing "Restless," ambitious "Plastic" and sweeping "Academic." Information: NewOrderNow.net.

Get "Music Complete" here



Artist: Charlie Musselwhite
Title: I Ain't Lyin'… (Henrietta Records)
You might like if you enjoy: James Cotton, Little Walter, John Lee Hooker
Tell me more: Mississippi-born Charlie Musselwhite, 71, has been an essential part of the bridge between traditional and contemporary blues since the mid-1960s, and his latest album I Ain't Lyin'… celebrates his potent talents as both a top-tier blues harp virtuoso and compelling vocalist. Backed by a fantastic trio (guitarist Matt Stubbs, drummer June Core and bassist Steve Froberg), Musselwhite's new 11-track collection has a loose and fun feel (especially on "Long Lean Lanky Mama"), but allows for moments where romantic loss, regret, hard times and other well-worn themes itself are celebrated amidst the lively music making. The blues ballad "Always Been Your Friend," buoyant harmonica-anchored "My Kinda Gal" and lively "Blues, Why Do You Worry Me?" are all standouts here. Information: CharlieMusselwhite.com.

Purchase "I Ain't Lyin'…" here



Artist: George Strait
Title: Cold Beer Conversation (MCA Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: George Strait, Tim McGraw, Jamey Johnson
Tell me more: One of the most successful country music artists of all time, George Strait's streak of stellar releases continues via his new disc Cold Beer Conversation." A strong effort that blends upbeat commercial country cuts ("Goin' Goin' Gone," "Rock Paper Scissors"), Western Swing ("It Takes All Kinds"), country blues ("Cheaper Than a Shrink") and melodic ballads ("It Was Love," "Even When I Can't Feel It"). "Cold Beer Conversation" is available exclusively via Apple Music and at Walmart. Information: georgestrait.com.

Get "George Strait - Cold Beer Conversation" here

Robert Kinsler

Essential new releases: Kacey Musgraves, Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Joy Williams, Muddy Waters tribute, The Dream Syndicate

Music lovers have to be pleased with the parade of stellar releases that are being released in the first few weeks of summer.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves
Title: Pageant Material (Mercury Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves' debut Same Trailer Different Park
Tell me more: One of the only artists among the current crop of young country singers who connect with the genre's richest traditions free of cliche, Kacey Musgraves' outstanding sophomore effort Pageant Material is at once contemporary and classic. From the tuneful high-kicking "High Time" and "Late to the Party" to the likes of the infectious banjo- and fiddle-adorned "Biscuits," the two-time Grammy winner's album is fortified by her role co-writing all 13 tracks on the disc. The Texas native playfully revisits her meteoric rise on "Dimestore Cowboy" (name dropping 'Austin City Limits,' Willie Nelson and the ghost of Gram Parsons along the way) while Musgraves skillfully tackles life's big questions effortlessly in the contemplative "Somebody to Love" and poignant "Die Fun." Information: kaceymusgraves.com.
Buy 'Pageant Material' here


Artist: Neil Young + Promise of the RealTitle: The Monsanto Years (Reprisel)
You might like if you enjoy: Neil Young's Living With War and Psychedelic Pill albums
Tell me more: Leave it to Neil Young to continue to rattle the world's chain. Although he will celebrate his 70th birthday later this year, Young continues to champion his strong views on big business and corporate greed, destruction of the environment, threats to small-time American farmers and the world at large on his latest album The Monsanto Years. Backed by Promise of the Real (featuring Willie Nelson's sons Micah and Lucas Nelson),  Young has crafted yet another masterwork. Young's epic 2006 album Living With War is recalled via the grunge anthem "New Day For Love" while the tuneful Americana rocker "People Want to Hear About Love" would have been home on 1977's American Stars 'n Bars. Elsewhere the sparse "Wolf Moon" (with little more than minimal acoustic guitar, gentle percussion and some signature Young harmonica play) conjures up the beauty of our nation's disappearing wilderness. My favorite song is "Big Box," a lyrical diatribe against everything from corporate greed to political finance laws that blends heavy rock courtesy of Young's fiery lead guitar work with ethereal vocals that soars across an eight minute-plus ride. Information: www.NeilYoung.com.
Get 'The Monsanto Years (CD/DVD)' here


Artist: Joy Williams
Title: Venus (Sensibility)
You might like if you enjoy: The Civil Wars, Johnnyswim, Kate Bush
Tell me more: Life's challenges often spur artists to create great music. Such is the case on Joy Williams' Venus. One-half of the multi-Grammy winning Americana duo The Civil Wars, Williams first full-length outing since that duo broke up in August 2014 will please fans of her previous work courtesy of folk-minded nuggets such as "Woman (Oh Mama)" and the gorgeous "One Day I Will." But there is also material that expands her reach into art rock territory with the same gifted touch; the confessional "Before I Sleep," riveting "Sweet Love of Mine" and introspective "Not Good Enough" exhibit the songstress' expanded reach. While the events that gave life to the songs on "Venus" may have tested Williams (just listen closely to "You Loved Me," "The Dying Kind" and "Till Forever"), the album itself is a joyous and life-affirming listen. Information: joywilliams.com.
Purchase 'VENUS' here



Title: Muddy Waters 100 (Raisin' Music Records)
You might like if you enjoy: Muddy Waters, John Primer, Gary Clark Jr., Shemekia Copeland, Johnny Winter
Tell me more: The line-up of modern-day blues icons who join singer-guitarist John Primer to celebrate the 100th birthday of Muddy Waters (the legendary bluesman died in April 1983) on Muddy Waters 100 is almost as impressive as the 15-track collection itself. Things kick off with the blues staple "Got My Mojo Working," with Primer sharing lead vocals with Shemekia Copeland. Elsewhere Derek Trucks' amazing slide guitar impresses on "Still a Fool," and James Cotton blows his blues harp with the mighty firepower he displayed on the original 1957 recording. Texas blues champion Gary Clark Jr. conjures up some magic in his expressive electric guitar work on "Forty Days and Forty Nights." Especially bittersweet is the uptempo Chicago blues gem "I'm Ready," a cover of the title track off Waters' 1978 album that was produced by Johnny Winter; on the new version Winter played slide guitar on the track a mere five weeks before his death in July 2014. Information: raisinmusic.com.
Buy 'Muddy Waters 100' today



Artist: The Dream Syndicate
Title: The Days of Wine and Roses (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Rain Parade, Three O'Clock
Tell me more: Blending the melodic instincts of the '60s with the punk-energy of the late '70s, the so-called "Paisley Underground" exploded in Los Angeles at the dawn of the 1980s bringing with it the music of The Bangles, Rain Parade, Three O'Clock, Green on Red and others. Among the most notable of the scene's champions was The Dream Syndicate thanks to the band's seminal 1982 debut The Days of Wine and Roses. Now Omnivore Recordings has reissued a deluxe edition of the album that celebrates the original indie release and piles on a slew of previously-unissued bonus material that casts additional light on the sterling lineup of Steve Wynn, Karl Precoda, Kendra Smith and Dennis Duck. Highlights on the collection include the hypnotic rhythms embedded in "That's What You Always Say," driving "Then She Remembers" and wistful "Too Little, Too Late." The bonus material is enthralling too, including the rehearsal jam "Is It Rolling, Bob?" and infectious rocker "Still Holding On To You." Information: omnivorerecordings.com.
Buy 'The Days Of Wine And Roses' here

2014 Doheny Blues Festival roundup: Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Nikki Hill, the Doobie Brothers, Vintage Trouble, James Cotton, more!

What follows is an extended version of the two reviews that ran in The Orange County Register earlier this week covering the 2014 Doheny Blues Festival (Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2014) in Dana Point.

Patrick Simmons and Tom Johnston of the Doobie Brothers perform at the Doheny Blues Festival on May 18.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

ENTERTAINMENT

Up-and-comers enjoy spotlight at Doheny Blues Festival

Lesser-known artists take advantage of opportunity at first day of annual Dana Point bash.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: May 18, 2014 Updated: May 19, 2014 12:13 p.m.

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL – DAY 1

Who: Gregg Allman, Buddy Guy, Nikki Hill, Matthew Curry, the 44s, Kid Ramos and more

Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

When: May 17

Day 1 of the 2014 Doheny Blues Festival featured a mix sure to please all types of fans, with 11 sets spread across three stages. But for the first time in the event’s 17-year history, the best turns belonged to lesser-known artists playing the intimate Backporch stage.

Not that headliners Gregg Allman and Buddy Guy didn’t deliver strongly on the main platform, but there was an energy surrounding these up-and-comers that was mostly missing from the more high-profile sets.

Case in point: a night-ending performance from Allman that coincided with a blues jam anchored by the 44s on the Backporch. Both sets featured guests, with Allman bringing up renowned saxophonist Mindi Abair early on, although the audience near the front of the stage continued to chat away and party with little interest, despite a few cheers when Abair delivered a gritty solo.

A few minutes later at the Backporch, a considerably smaller but far more enthusiastic crowd tuned in as local hero Kid Ramos joined the Los Angeles blues-roots rockers commanding that stage. Johnny Main, the 44s’ frontman, was charged up as he sang, played guitar and led his band through a blistering set celebrating the power of the blues.

The highlight was a tribute to the late harmonica great Lester Butler (of the Red Devils), in a piece titled “Devil Woman,” which had a heavy and infectious groove further enhanced by Jacob Huffman’s sublime work on mouth harp. That performance blew away the first 30 minutes of Allman’s affair, including his staple, “I’m No Angel.”

Likewise, earlier in the day, Guy could be seen on the Doheny Stage while Durham, N.C., singer Nikki Hill took over on the Backporch.

The legend delivered his characteristic brand of Chicago blues, tearing away at his guitar and thrilling the crowd with humor-laced material. At 77, he remains a marvel, able to perform much as he did in his prime. Yet, a frequent presence in Orange County, his choices were almost identical to those at recent appearances at City National Grove of Anaheim and the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano. As he did at one of those shows, he reiterated: “They don’t play this kind of blues on the radio anymore, (but) if they call me, I’ll bring it.”

For those who have caught him recently, a better choice was to check out the buzz-worthy Hill and her amazing three-man band. Her voice ranged from sweet on the ballads “Gotta Find My Baby” and “Don’t Cry Anymore” to gritty on rhythm and blues standards like Little Richard’s “The Girl Can’t Help It” and Sam Cooke’s “Twisting the Night Away.” Guitarist Matt Hill was particularly impressive during an extended take on the Chuck Berry classic, “Sweet Little Rock ’n’ Roll” as well as a set-ending, crowd-goes-crazy version of AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie.”

Guitarist Matthew Curry rocked Doheny.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Another standout from the day was teen frets-master Matthew Curry, who scorched the Backporch with the force and intensity of Otis Taylor when he played that stage in 2012. The singer-guitarist served up an authentic blend of original Southern rock, British blues and Jimi Hendrix that earned the relative unknown spontaneous standing ovations.

High marks also must go to the Americans, whose spirited roots-rock kicked off the day; their lush “Foreign Land” was especially memorable. John Nemeth & the Bo-Keys, joined by singer Percy Wiggins, brought a nice taste of Memphis with a full-length set on the Sailor Jerry Stage. Key bits included the raw “Keep the Love a-Comin’,” featuring Nemeth’s stirring harmonica skills, and the soulful “Testify My Love,” during which he held a series of vocal notes that added to the song’s emotional weight.

Doheny Blues' second day outshines first

The heavier half of the Dana Point festival came capped by roaring sets from the Doobie Brothers, Vintage Trouble and Gov’t Mule, plus a heartening turn from James Cotton.

BY ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Published: May 19, 2014 Updated: 4:34 p.m.

DOHENY BLUES FESTIVAL – DAY 2

Who: The Doobie Brothers, Gov't Mule, Vintage Trouble, Roy Gaines, James Cotton and more

Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point

When: May 18

The second half of this year’s Doheny Blues Festival clearly outdistanced the first for a number of reasons, though chiefly because every one of its 11 performances was sharp. Between simultaneous morning sets from legendary James Cotton and local hero Eric Sardinas to night-ending appearances from the Doobie Brothers on the main stage and guitarist Roy Gaines on the Backporch, it was next to impossible to take a break without risking missing something big.

A throat cancer survivor, the 78-year-old Cotton can no longer sing, so he has refocused on blues harp while members of his excellent backing band handle vocal duties. On Sunday, several potent songs off his just-released album, Cotton Mouth Man, were included, with “He Was There” and the title track showcasing his mastery. He often swapped one “Mississippi saxophone” for another, utilizing each’s tones to add different colors.

Ruthie Foster on May 18. Photo: Robert Kinsler

Variety was another key element to Sunday’s fast-moving roster. Cotton had no sooner ended when singer-songwriter-guitarist Ruthie Foster and her three-man band roused the crowd with more than an hour of originals and tasty remakes, blending everything from gospel to soul. A gifted singer, Foster’s ambition was evidenced by a thoroughly original interpretation of “Ring of Fire,” offered as a lovely jazz-tinged ballad, bolstered by Scotty Miller’s touching keyboard work.

The early afternoon offered concertgoers several hard choices, with Keb’ Mo’ and the California Honeydrops performing at the same time. (I missed the latter but heard many fans say it was their favorite.)

Keb’ Mo’, however, proved yet again why he’s a frequent attraction at this Dana Point bash. He’s an exceptional acoustic guitarist whose approach traces back to Robert Johnson’s, yet his singer-songwriter manner is his alone and has extended the lyricism of the blues genre as much as anyone in recent memory. Spotlighting classics from his 20-year discography as well as new material from his latest, Bluesamericana, the Los Angeles native’s 70-minute outing made room for fan favorites like “Suitcase” and “Shave Yo’ Legs” (the latter a prime example of how he mixes tender romanticism and comedy) alongside compelling fresh bits (“The Worst Is Yet to Come,” “Somebody Hurt You”).

Late afternoon and early evening sets continued to produce an impressive range of performances.

Gov’t Mule’s hard-edged jams were commanding on the main stage, with singer-guitarist Warren Haynes unleashing stirring licks on “Game Face” and “Inside Outside Woman Blues #3.” Meanwhile, on the Backporch, James Intveld and Rosie Flores were found reviving traditional country & Western songs and rockabilly with an authentic touch that recalled Buck Owens, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Their harmonies were perfect and the group’s overall sound was a welcome departure from some of the day’s heavier fare.

Vintage Trouble flat-out stormed the Sailor Jerry stage with the flair and passion the retro-modern L.A. quartet exudes everywhere they play. With the audience singing, dancing and moving to the group’s rock ’n’ soul hybrid, frontman Ty Taylor led the outfit through more than an hour of great songs.

Whether kicking beach balls back into the crowd or mingling among them, Taylor’s presence could not be denied. The rousing rocker “Blues Hand Me Down” and soul ballad “Nancy Lee” were early highlights, while several as-yet-unreleased numbers such as “Lowdown Dirty Dog” and “Lo and Behold” revealed that guitarist Nalle Colt, bassist Rick Dill and drummer Richard Danielson continue to conjure something special as they seek out exciting ways to give ’60s R&B a contemporary style.

The long day ended with two more strong sets. The Doobie Brothers opened with an energetic one-two punch of “Jesus Is Just Alright” and “Rockin’ Down the Highway,” though the ensemble was particularly potent later on during the beautiful “Clear as the Driven Snow,” filled out by lush vocals and a textured arrangement.

Singer-guitarist Roy Gaines on the Backporch.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

And on the Backporch, guitarist Roy Gaines attacked with his fretwork and sang with feeling on a number of heady tunes, notably “The War Is Over,” during which he played like a hungry 21-year-old, and the swinging “Jump in My Cadillac,” which became a lively showdown with his supporting six-stringer.

Doheny Blues Festival 2014 announces additional artists: Gregg Allman, James Cotton, John Németh with the Bo-Keys, more!

Breaking news for a Friday! Nice...I can't wait to catch Gregg Allman, James Cotton (who I reviewed when he performed in Costa Mesa last year) and the incredible John Németh this year in Dana Point.

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton
in performance on  March 13, 2013.

More Artists Announced for 2014 Doheny Blues Fest! 

GREGG ALLMAN 

Gregg Allman is one of the most acclaimed and beloved icons in rock and roll history, and it's been a whirlwind couple of years for him. Gregg recently shocked the music world by announcing that The Allman Brothers will retire at the end of 2014, and that his life story will be told in the upcoming biopic "Midnight Rider" starring John Hurt. On January 11, Gregg was honored in a live concert "All My Friends" with a star-studded cast of artists: Eric Church, Jackson Browne, Vince Gill, Dr. John and Sam Moore, amongst others. Allman's critically acclaimed tell-all memoir,

My Cross To Bear, was a New York Times Bestseller and his most recent album "Low Country Blues" was nominated for a GRAMMY Award, his first solo release in 13 years.

 

JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND and very special guests! 

2014 marks James Cotton's 70th year as a professional musician... and what a year he's having!  

James' 2013 album "Cotton Mouth Man" was nominated for a GRAMMY Award and he has received 5 nominations for the upcoming Blues Music Awards. Special guests on this legendary record include Gregg Allman, Joe Bonamassa, Warren Haynes, Ruthie Foster and Keb' Mo' - so you don't want to miss Cotton's set at Doheny Blues!

  

Soul man John Németh. Photo credit: Pat Johnson

JOHN NEMETH with THE BO-KEYS  

Soul man John Németh has teamed up with The Bo-Keys for the upcoming March 25 release "Memphis Grease," a 13-track album slathered with fatback soul and blues done the Memphis way; tight horn lines, whirling organ with John's soaring voice and wicked harp playing front and center. The Bo-Keys are a group of veteran Memphis players that made their names backing the likes of Al Green, O.V. Wright and Rufus Thomas. Németh nabbed 5 Blues Music Award nominations in the past 2 years, and he's worked with Robert Cray, Elvin Bishop, Junior Watson.

  

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK BAND and BNOIS KING

Joe Kubek was raised in Irving, Texas, and while still a teenager was playing guitar in the band of the original Texas Cannonball, Freddie King. Influenced by the hard-rocking blues of the '60s and '70s, Kubek's guitar playing smolders with the same fire that burned in the styles of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Johnny Winter, earning him the well-deserved nickname "Smokin' Joe." Bnois King is a native of Monroe, LA and his musical influences come from a generation earlier than Kubek's, with the smoother sounds of T-Bone Walker and B.B. King. Together this unlikely pair forged a musical bond that has not only lasted the test of time, but continues to flourish. Joe's hard-edged guitar provides the perfect counter-balance for the jazzy guitar and deep blues vocals of Bnois. 

GREGG ALLMAN  *  THE DOOBIE BROTHERS

GOV'T MULE  *  KEB' MO'  *  JAMES COTTON BLUES BAND & FRIENDS 

VINTAGE TROUBLE  *  CHARLES BRADLEY & THE EXTRAORDINAIRES

RUTHIE FOSTER  *  JOHN NEMETH & THE BO-KEYS  

SMOKIN' JOE KUBEK BAND & BNOIS KING  *  NIKKI HILL
... and many more artists to be announced!

Doheny Blues Website  *  Doheny Blues Facebook Page

Media Alert: Gary Clark Jr.

MEDIA ALERT GARY CLARK JR. TO HEADLINE LEGENDARY APOLLO THEATER IN HARLEM ON NOVEMBER 14 NYC'S TERMINAL 5 SHOW IS COMPLETELY SOLD OUT

July 8th, 2013 - (Burbank, CA) - Singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Gary Clark Jr. will headline the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem on Nov 14th. Clark's show at Terminal 5, set for Nov 16th, has completely sold out. Every other date on his recently-announced national tour, including the Sep 26th opening night at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles will follow suit. Considered the bastion of African-American culture and achievement, The Apollo is famous for launching the careers of everyone from Ella Fitzgerald, to James Brown & The Famous Flames, to The Jackson 5, to Stevie Wonder, to Lauryn Hill. Now it will host Clark, who has enjoyed an amazing upward trajectory with a series of incendiary live performances, proving he is one of the most exciting artists to hit the scene in recent years. Click here to view a solo performance of "Next Door Neighbor Blues" from the U.K. The opportunity to perform at The Apollo is an esteemed privilege that comes with unqualified sense of occasion for Clark who first performed at the landmark theater on Feb 24, 2012, for the late Hubert Sumlin's Memorial Concert. On that evening, Clark played alongside Keith Richards, James Cotton, Eric Clapton and others to honor the memory of one of his heroes. Click here to view a live version of the new single, "When My Train Pulls In" live from The Warner Sound. Over the past couple of years Clark has toured the globe and performed and/or recorded with a wealth of genre-spanning Americans icons that include BB King, Buddy Guy, Booker T. Jones, Alicia Keys, The Dream, The Roots and many others. As part of a rich musical heritage Clark represents the New Breed of torch-bearers that will bring the past into the future of classic, American music forms just as those who have inspired him, all of whom have performed at one time or another on the stage of The Apollo Theater. Pre-sale tickets via Artist Arena, Live Nation and Citi will be made available to members beginning today at 10 am on July 9th, and continue through Thursday July 11th, at 10 pm. Tickets then go on sale to the general public on Friday July 12th, at noon. Please visit http://www.garyclarkjr.com/ for all of Clark's upcoming tour dates. More news to be revealed soon.

Chicago blues storm into Southern California

Blues At The Crossroads 2 included a number of blues greats / Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

Two of blues' giants were honored courtesy of an amazing tribute on Wednesday night (March 13, 2013). The late Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf were celebrated by living artists who have some of the strongest links with those legendary Chicago blues pioneers.

With The Fabulous Thunderbirds anchoring the Blues At The Crossroads 2: Muddy & The Wolf performance staged at Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, the evening also featured harmonica great James Cotton, and guitarists Bob Margolin, Jody Williams and Tinsley Ellis.

Kim Wilson

The spirit of Waters and Wolf were always near throughout the rewarding night, which featured more than two hours of sterling and heartfelt performances by the artists.
The show began with the T-Birds taking the stage first, performing several songs celebrating the electric style of blues identified with Chicago. The band, led by singer-harp player Kim Wilson, also includes bassist Randy Bermudes, guitarist Mike Keller, drummer Jason Moeller and guitarist Johnny Moeller. The T-Birds brought a fire and passion to their own featured performances, as well as when supporting the other artists. Early in the night, when performing Muddy Waters' "She's Nineteen Years Old," there was an extended segment where guitarist Johnny Moeller offered up a fiery guitar solo before Wilson started blasting away on his harmonica. Throughout this, the song artfully grew in power in impressive fashion.

Next to the stage was Ellis, who performed electric guitar and sang. His guitar playing was distinct and he displayed a unique style of bending strings that gave his fret work a style of its own.

He ended his three-song set by switching to acoustic guitar and having Wilson join him to provide some harp shading atop his slide guitar work. Their version of Willie Dixon's "Little Red Rooster" (a song most identified with Howlin' Wolf) was one of the highlights of the night.

Throughout the concert, which was divided in two parts, there was an enthusiastic response from a polite audience of blues fans who filled the beautiful theater. One of the last songs performed before the intermission featured Margolin on guitar, with Wilson singing and leading the T-Birds through a mighty take on "So Sad to be Lonesome." The song began relatively slowly, but the nuanced performance would gain intensity as it moved along . Keller offered up some fantastic lead guitar work, with Wilson showcasing his amazing skills on the blues harp too. This was the type of nuanced performance that confirmed that the blues continue to display their special power when handled by masters.

Jody Williams

The second half of the concert were all about honoring two living legends. While Williams and Cotton spent most of their time on stage seated, that didn't diminish the power they brought to the night. Williams is a stylish player, with a playful personality that comes across in his guitar playing and his facial expressions. The Mobile, Alabama native seemed to be having the time of his life and it was great to see the audience recognize Williams with heartfelt affection.

"Spoonful," originally performed by Wolf and one of his most rousing performances, was played with fire this night and retained it's groundbreaking blend of psychedelic blues vibe.

Cotton, 77, was the last featured artist to grace the stage and received a rousing welcome from the crowd. Although the Tunica, Mississippi native struggles to sing nowadays, he sure proved to be an exciting harmonica player. The admiration that Cotton and Wilson have for each other is clear and their time together on stage was terrific.

The night ended with the entire ensemble of artists playing on stage together. A fitting version of Waters' "Got My Mojo Working" allowed pretty much everybody to shine, with Williams, Ellis, Margolin offering up shining guitar work before Cotton and Wilson dueled on their harps. What a night!

Bob Margolin, left, with James Cotton

Blues stars revive legends in Costa Mesa

My story was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Tuesday, March 12, 2013.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds, James Cotton, Bob Margolin and more join an all-star array saluting Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf at Segerstrom Center for the Arts this week.

Kim Wilson (center) and the Fabulous Thunderbirds will be house band as well as headline.

Anyone hoping to tap into the authentic feel unleashed by blues pioneers Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf doesn’t necessarily need to catch the next flight to Chicago.

The two legendary fathers of that city’s blues will be honored by some beloved musical offspring at a tribute March 13 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf, which repeats Saturday at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica, is no casual affair. The lineup features guitarist Bob Margolin, a longtime member of Waters’ band; harmonica great James Cotton, Muddy’s harp player for a dozen years until embarking on his solo career in 1967; guitarist Jody Williams, who was part of Wolf’s first Chicago-based group; and guitarist Tinsley Ellis, while anchoring the event are perennial favorites the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Kim Wilson, lead singer and harmonica player for the T-Birds, may have been spawned in Austin, Texas, but his long-running outfit’s sound is a true amalgam of Chicago blues, R&B and soul, and early rock ‘n’ roll.

“I’ve known these guys for a long time,” said Wilson of the other artists who will salute Waters (who died in April 1983) and Wolf (who passed in January 1976). He noted that the T-Birds will back up several of the other players, including Cotton and Williams.

“This is way overdue,” he said of the ambitious concert, adding that the posh Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall “is a great place to highlight these talents. I used to see James (Cotton) and Muddy Waters in small clubs. It’s important to see them, period.”

Wilson reminded how so many blues acts are typically relegated to little venues or festival appearances, and the fact that a legend like Cotton, 77, gts to perform in a sterling theater is fitting. Wilson, who has lived in South Orange County since 1994, didn’t have to be asked twice when an invitation came to participate in Costa Mesa.

In addition to functioning as de facto house band and tackling classics from Muddy and the Wolf, the T-Birds also will have a chance to spotlight selections from their forthcoming disc On the Verge, due March 19 from Severn Records.

The record was begun a couple years ago, Wilso explained, but after initial tracking was done on several songs, he didn’t feel like the album would get released. That changed when he was invited by friend David Earl to visit a new studio opened by Severn in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” he recalls, “(but) the studio is fantastic, so I went in there.”

Earl, who ultimately co-produced the new album with Wilson, as well as keyboardist Kevin Anker and Steve Gomes, had the band re-record some of those early takes and then cut some new ones. On the Verge will likely surprise casual fans of the T-Birds, best known for ‘80s hits “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” The collection of mostly original tunes mines Stax-style soul as much as the Texas roadhouse blues that defined the group’s fundamental work.

“It’s stress-free,” Wilson said of both recording these days and playing shows like Blues at the Crossroads 2. “After all this time, this is a very cool, creative environment.”

Blues at the Crossroads 2: Muddy & the Wolf takes place March 13 at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets: $29-$79